Summary of this Accommodated Overland Tour

Quick Itinerary Overview

This Accommodated Budget Mozambique & Kruger Safari combines some of Africa's finest tropical beaches in Mozambique with one of Africa's best game viewing destinations, the world famous Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Starting and ending in Johannesburg, this Mozambique Tour takes you game viewing in the famous Kruger National Park and game-rich Hlane Royal National Park in Swaziland. Then we travel into Mozambique to relax on the white sand beaches along the East Coast of Africa.

We enjoy the charming coastal city of Inhambane before travelling to Vilanculos from where we explore the spectacular Bazaruto Archipelago, a pristine cluster of tropical islands. The Bazaruto Islands marine reserve is home to an abundance of sea life and offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Africa, as well as beautiful beaches! We then visit seaside Tofo, before travelling to Maputo, Mozambique's bustling capital.

Lastly we travel via the quaint towns of the scenic Panorama Route back to the dynamic city of Johannesburg.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg to Panorama Route & Greater Kruger - South Africa

This two-week Accommodated Mozambique & Kruger Safari departs from the dynamic city of Johannesburg in South Africa, on the morning of day one.

We travel along the Panorama Route on the edge of the scenic Drakensberg Escarpment. One of the most beautiful parts of South Africa, we take a leisurely drive, stopping to admire the views along the way.

Panorama Route highlights include the eroded rock formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the impressive Blyde River Canyon. Viewpoints en route include God’s Window and the Three Rondavels hills.

Tonight we stay at a safari lodge in the area of Timbavati, a renowned private game reserve in the Greater Kruger Park. We are treated to a traditional Shangaan dance performance at the lodge, while we tuck into a hearty dinner.

Activity Package:

An optional Activity Package is offered with this safari. The extra payment includes highly-recommended activities, considered as "essential activities" on the tour. This itinerary includes these activities. For those that can't afford all of these activities there is the option of doing the basic safari without the Activity Package. Contact African Budget Safaris for a detailed breakdown of what is included in the Activity Package. See the Full Pricing Information above for the cost of the Activity Package.

Day 2: Kruger National Park – South Africa

This morning we drive to the world-famous Kruger National Park, not far from our lodge in Greater Kruger. Entering Kruger Park our game viewing adventure begins before we even reach our next overnight stay.

For the next two nights we stay at a safari lodge inside a private reserve, within the Kruger National Park, which covers nearly 2 million hectares of untamed wilderness. The camp is fenced off to keep out the roaming predators and features a variety of facilities including a swimming pool, shop, bar and internet.

Our game drive today is conducted in the safari truck, offering an elevated vantage for spotting wildlife in the bush. We go in search of the Big Five of Africa and the variety of other wildlife and birds found in this vast game park.

Kruger Park, South Africa’s premier national park and one of Africa’s best safari destinations, is a world leader in terms of conservation policies and practices.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Included Activity: Afternoon game drive in safari truck

Optional Activity: Evening Game Drive in Nkambeni Reserve

Day 3: Kruger National Park – South Africa

On day three we spend time exploring Kruger National Park, one of Africa's best game reserves. We set off on a 4x4 game drive for the day, searching out the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) and more.

You can embark on an optional bush walk in the private reserve where our lodge is located. This morning game walk is a thrilling way to experience the African bush and encounter its wildlife and birds.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Activity Package: Full day 4x4 Game Drive

Optional Activity: Morning Bush Walk in Nkambeni Reserve

Day 4: Hlane Royal National Park – Swaziland

Rise and shine early on day four to enjoy a last bit of game viewing in Kruger National Park as we make our way out of the wildlife haven.

Leaving Kruger we travel to the small landlocked country of Swaziland heading to the Hlane Royal National Park. Situated in the northeast of the Kingdom of Swaziland, Hlane Royal Park is Swaziland’s biggest game reserve at around 30000 hectares, including the adjacent wildlife concessions.

Hlane reserve is home to lion, elephant and endangered white rhino, as well as seasonal wildebeest, impala and zebra. Vegetation in the flat, low-lying Hlane consists of hardwood trees, grasslands and shallow pans. The game park is also home to an abundance of various birds, including a variety of vultures and eagles.

Once a private hunting area of the Swazi Royal family today Hlane is managed by Big Game Parks and held in a trust. The lions at Hlane are kept in an enclosure fenced off from the rest of the park, which makes hiking inside the reserve safe. We have the option of game viewing on foot or on mountain bikes in family-friendly Hlane Park, as well as taking a game viewing drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Optional Activities: Guided Mountain Biking, Sunset and Sunrise Game Drives in Hlane Royal National Park and Guided Game Walks in Hlane Royal National Park.

Day 5: Bilene – Mozambique

Today we leave the friendly Swaziland Kingdom behind making our way north into Mozambique on the east coast of Africa. We drive to Bilene, passing through the beautiful coastal landscapes of tropical Mozambique.

Arriving at the small town of Bilene there is time for you to walk along the shores of the lagoon and take a dip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 7: Inhambane – Mozambique

On day six we're up early and back on the road, heading north through coconut plantations and rural Mozambique.

Our next stop is the charming town of Inhambane, with its tree-lined avenues and old colonial buildings. One of the oldest settlements on the east coast, here Arabic, Indian, African and European influences blend together in a vibrant mix.

The whole of day seven is free for you to participate in optional activities in and around the port town of Inhambane. This is one of the best places in Africa to go snorkelling and diving, especially with the whale sharks and manta rays at nearby Tofo. Alternatively you can simply laze around on the beach, take walks and go swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.

For the next two nights we stay in a lodge set on one of the sandy beaches, for which Inhambane is famous.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Optional Activity: Inhambane Snorkelling

Day 8: Vilanculos – Mozambique

Our next Mozambiquan beach stopover is the coastal town of Vilanculos, from where we will explore the idyllic Bazaruto Islands.

The lively seaside town of Vilanculos is ideally located for exploring the three main islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago (Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque), lying just off the mainland of Mozambique. The Bazaruto Archipelago is Mozambique’s premier travel destination - a tropical beach paradise with clear turquoise waters and palm fringed islands. As a protected area, the reefs are pristine and the sea life here is spectacular. Snorkelling is one of the best ways to enjoy this aquatic wonderland.

We stay at a comfortable lodge with a swimming pool, bar, shop and laundry facilities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Bazaruto Islands Trip – Mozambique

Today we take a day trip to the dazzling Bazaruto Archipelago, known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Early this morning we set off for the Bazaruto Islands by speedboat, heading to the renowned Two Mile Reef. Here we stop for a swim or some snorkelling before continuing to Bazaruto for lunch.

This cluster of five unspoiled tropical islands is considered one of the most beautiful places in Africa. Mozambique’s only marine reserve, Bazaruto is world-renowned for its superb diving and snorkelling given the abundant sea creatures inhabiting its intact reefs. Marine life includes an impressive variety of tropical fish, whales and dolphins, as well as the rare Dugong (sea cow) and Nile crocodiles. Some of the aquatic creatures sighted on dives include whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, lobsters, barracuda, clown fish, Moorish idols and mackerel. Antelopes, Samango monkeys and around 180 bird species also inhabit the Bazaruto islands.

You have the chance to explore the islands on foot and go snorkelling on the colourful reefs. After lunch, we make our way back to Vilanculos. Once back in Vilanculos you have some time to spruce up for our sunset Dhow cruise. The Dhow is a traditional sailing vessel that has long been used along the east coast of Africa.

If the tide is high when we set out in the morning we will go straight to Bazaruto and then to Two Mile Reef for some snorkelling. Thereafter we have lunch on Benguera Island, before returning for our sunset Dhow cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activity Package: Bazaruto Day Trip

Please note: If you did not purchase the Activity Package you will spend the day in Vilanculos.

Day 10 – 11: Praia do Tofo – Mozambique

Next our Accommodated Mozambique & Kruger Safari takes us back south to the old port town of Inhambane and on to the nearby village of Tofo.

Once a sleepy fishing village, today Tofo is one of the most popular and best-known beach destinations in Mozambique. Tofo is considered the diving capital of the country and is one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks.

In the evening you can go to a talk about conservation on the coast of Mozambique. This presentation by the Marine Megafauna Foundation focuses on the work being done to protect marine species such as sharks, manta rays and turtles.

Day 11 is free for you to enjoy laid-back hours on the picturesque beaches or do some optional activities. There are plenty of watersports and a few land-based adventure activities to keep you entertained here - from scuba diving to horse riding.

We stay in traditional Mozambican reed cottages at a lodge, featuring a bar and swimming pool, set right on an unspoiled beach.

Day 12: Maputo – Mozambique

Today we continue south to the country’s largest city, Maputo, Mozambique’s capital. Mozambique’s most important port is in Maputo, a once glorious and trendy city.

Although Mozambique gained full independence from Portuguese rule in 1975, it only regained political stability after a 1992 peace agreement. The country is presently seeing economic growth and development that make it a safe and attractive holiday destination.

We spend the night at a hotel in Maputo, eating out in the evening (optional) and enjoying the vibrant city.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Activity: Dinner Out in Maputo

Day 13: Graskop – South Africa

This morning we take a tour of Maputo visiting attractions such as the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceiao (Our Lady of Conception), and the imposing Central Railway Station. Visit the historical Baixa area, Independence Square, the botanical gardens and the Maputo Cathedral.

After the half-day Maputo city tour, we travel back into South Africa making our way into the scenic Mpumalanga Province. We drive back along the Panorama Route, stopping to explore the old mining town of Pilgrims Rest.

Our last overnight stay is in the small town of Graskop, on the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activity Package: Half day Maputo City Tour

Day 14: Panorama Route to Johannesburg – South Africa

On our final day we travel back to Johannesburg where our Budget Mozambique & Kruger Safari adventure comes to an end.

Although the tour ends in the afternoon most safari groups choose to eat out together at one of Johannesburg’s many excellent restaurants in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Optional Activities: Dinner out in Johannesburg

We recommend arriving the day before your safari and only booking flights for the day after the safari ends. We can help arrange accommodation for before and after the safari on request.

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